How to Match Documents with OCR

Learn how Precoro matches POs with OCR-processed invoices and how to customize this process for accurate payments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How Precoro Matches Invoices with Purchase Orders

Precoro automatically scans each incoming invoice to link it with an existing order and help you pay only for what was originally ordered. Invoices are matched to the following order types:

  • Standard Purchase Orders

  • Blanket Purchase Orders (by Total or by Item)

  • Service Orders

The system searches for a corresponding PO by comparing details like:

  • PO Number: The PO number on the invoice must match the PO IDN or custom number.

  • SKU or Item Code: Verifies that the SKU or item code on the invoice aligns with the code on the PO.

  • Name or Description: Ensures item names or descriptions match between the invoice and the PO.

  • Rate: Confirms the rate per item on the invoice corresponds to the PO rate.

  • Net and Gross Total Amounts: Compares the invoice amounts with the PO totals.

  • Line Count: Checks that the number of line items on the invoice matches the PO.

If Precoro finds a match, the system automatically associates the invoice with that PO. However, if the data on the invoice doesn’t match any PO, Precoro will generate a standalone invoice. Items from invoices that have been matched will affect the budget and be displayed within the budgeting information. 

💡Pro tip: If the system cannot initially recognize the Supplier, Tax Rate, or Location, you can input this information manually; Precoro will then remember and apply these settings for future documents.

Additional Matching Rules for Invoice and Purchase Order Processing

To increase the number of documents created automatically, we’ve added new matching rules for invoices processed with OCR. These rules improve accuracy when matching invoices to purchase orders.

Here are the new matching rules that you can choose for your invoices:

  • Invoice line SKU or code matches the PO line SKU

  • Invoice line name or description matches the PO line name

  • Invoice line rate matches the PO line price

  • Invoice line amount matches the PO line Net Total

  • Invoice line amount matches the PO line Gross Total

  • Invoice total matches the PO Gross Total

  • Line count on the invoice matches the line count on the PO

Additionally, these default rules are always applied and cannot be removed:

  • PO number on the invoice must match the PO IDN or custom number

  • Invoice will match to the PO if only one PO is available

💡 Please note: You can enable additional matching rules after activating automatic invoice processing. For assistance, please reach out to our Support Team, who will gladly help set up the new rules.

How to Customize Invoice Matching Rules

Precoro offers customizable invoice matching rules to align with your company’s policies and accuracy requirements. These rules determine how invoices link to POs. You can choose between two mapping options:

  • Selective Mapping: Documents must match at least one of the selected criteria.

  • Complete Mapping: All criteria must be met for a match, ideal for strict data accuracy needs.

selective mapping

To apply or adjust these settings, contact Precoro’s Support Team.

💡 Please note: The invoice-to-order mapping rules are only available if you have selected the PO-based Invoice Type in the Invoice from Order Auto Creation settings. For setup, use the appropriate server link:  US server link or EU server link.

Best Practice Use Cases for Matching Functionality


Below are practical examples to help you decide on the best mapping configuration for your needs: 

User Scenario

Example of Mapping Settings

Mapping Type

Usage Benefit

For users needing strict accuracy between Invoice and PO amounts

✔️Invoice line amount matched to PO line Net/Gross Total

✔️ Invoice amount matched to PO Gross Total

Complete Mapping

Ensures rigorous cost control and accurate expense tracking, essential for adhering to project budgets.

For users requiring fast document creation with fixed amounts

✔️ Invoice line amount matched to PO line Net/Gross Total

✔️ Invoice amount matched to PO Gross Total

Selective Mapping

Enables rapid document processing if supplier documents are reliable.

For users with clearly defined POs and suppliers who meet exact requirements

✔️ Invoice line SKU/code matched to PO line SKU

✔️ Invoice line name/description matched to PO line name

✔️ Line count matching (Invoice lines = PO lines)

Selective Mapping

Facilitates quick document creation without additional checks.

For small companies managing moderate supplier relationships

✔️ SKU or Code Matching

✔️ Name or Description Matching

Selective Mapping

Simplifies compliance checks, helping ensure Invoices reflect Purchase Orders accurately, crucial for budget control and supplier management.

For large corporations needing high accuracy for audit compliance

✔️ All matching rules applied, including Total Invoice Amount and Line Count Matching

Complete Mapping

Ensures maximum accuracy and compliance during audits, reducing financial risk and promoting transparency, though it may require more manual work.

For companies with stable commodity prices and large catalogs

✔️ Rate Matching (Invoice line rate matched to PO line price)

✔️ Invoice line amount matched to PO line Net/Gross Total

Selective Mapping

Supports procurement accuracy, particularly for standardized orders.

For standard orders in medium-sized companies

✔️ Invoice amount matched to PO Gross Total

✔️ Line count matching (Invoice lines = PO lines)

Complete Mapping

Ideal when item counts remain constant, though product names may vary slightly.


Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use Complete Mapping?

Use Complete Mapping if your business needs strict accuracy for cost control and expense tracking, especially for projects with tight budgets or high financial scrutiny.

When should I use Selective Mapping?

Selective Mapping is ideal if you require faster processing and have reliable supplier documents. It works best for less complex or more standardized orders where you can afford some flexibility in matching.

How does Precoro match invoices with purchase orders?

Precoro automatically matches invoices with existing POs based on criteria like SKU, item description, rate, invoice totals, and line count. If no match is found, Precoro generates a standalone invoice.

Can I adjust the matching settings?

Yes, you can adjust the matching settings by contacting Precoro's Support Team.